Nancy Ridley

Nancy (Morlock) Ridley, 69, passed away October 25, 2023, after a brave, year-long battle with cancer, lovingly cared for by her husband Charles (Chuck) Ridley. 

A service in Nancy’s memory will take place in the coming months. 

Nancy was born March 19, 1954, growing up on a farm near Staples with her eight siblings. She married her husband on December 31, 1973 and they lived in Minneapolis, followed by Florida and eventually moved to a dairy farm in Sebeka in 1980. They raised their two boys on the farm until 1988 when they moved to Red Wing for work. She had attended Staples Technical Institute and received a certificate in photography. Nancy worked as a photographer at Photo Fair enjoying helping people capture their memories and taking beautiful photos herself.

Nancy was quick to smile and laugh, to make a comical observation or tell a funny story. Her love was bottomless for her family; she shared it openly and easily making sure each person knew how much she loved them. She was full of energy, not one to sit still, a hard worker and usually had a project or a plan for something she wanted to do. A curious person who loved to learn, she observed the world around her and gave her input with honesty and kindness. 

Nancy and Chuck’s over five decades together took them on many adventures. They were each other’s best friend, had deep affection for one another and were rarely apart. Nancy tended their yard with love and care, enjoyed learning about flowers, plants, birds and caring for their koi pond.  

Nancy adored her two sons, Rimhel (Susie) and Chris (Courtney), raising them to be gentle, strong, kind, loving fathers and caring husbands. She loved fishing with her son, Chris, in his boat on Lake Pepin and on the Mississippi River. She enjoyed music with her son, Rimhel, and bought him his first of many guitars three decades ago.

Nancy’s grandchildren brought her the greatest joy and she made sure Jada, Grace, Xander, Max, Conrad, Luke and Kara knew how special they were to her and how proud each of them made her.

She is survived by her husband, Chuck; two sons, their wives and their children and all eight of her siblings, Darla Burke (Jerry), Janice Jensen (Lynn Clodfelder), Lauren Morlock, David Morlock, James Morlock, Russell Morlock, Curtiss Morlock, Lori Huff (Harold) and many nieces and nephews. 

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Norma and Harry Morlock and one granddaughter, Jada. 

In lieu of memorials or flowers, please plant some flowers, kiss your grandchild, hug your spouse and tell someone you love them, in memory of Nancy. 

Arrangements were by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing.

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